- Mass Death of Cattle Sparks Protest on Mathura Road
2024.12.114 (Vrindavan Today News): Cows are neither safe in life nor in death. This is perhaps the plight of the cows in Braj, the land of Govinda, the Lord of the Cows, Shri Krishna.
In a shocking incident, the carcasses of approximately 40 cows were discovered in the forest near Dhaurera village, opposite PMV College on Mathura Road. The gruesome sight triggered outrage among local Gorakshaks (cow protectors), who staged a massive protest on Friday by blocking the Mathura-Vrindavan Road, placing the dead cows on the road, and demanding justice. The protest led to a two-kilometer-long traffic jam that lasted for over four hours, severely disrupting the daily lives of residents, school children, and pilgrims. The situation was eventually brought under control after police resorted to a mild lathi charge and cleared the blockade.
Reports suggest that the cows, many of which had ear tags indicating they were from registered shelters (Gaushalas), were found dead in varying conditions—some reduced to skeletons. The presence of these tags raised serious questions about the role of Gaushala operators, many of whom receive financial aid from the government. According to the Gorakshaks, these cows may have been deliberately brought to the forest to be slaughtered for their hides, a claim that has sparked widespread anger and demands for accountability.
Protests and Administration’s Delay
The discovery, which had been circulating on social media platforms for two days prior, failed to elicit any immediate response from the district administration or police. This negligence further fueled the outrage among activists, who accused authorities of turning a blind eye to the illegal activities surrounding cow protection. The delay in addressing the matter culminated in Friday’s road blockade.
The protesters raised slogans against local political leaders, including the area’s MP and MLA, holding them accountable for the lack of action. Despite repeated requests from the police to clear the road, the Gorakshaks refused, intensifying the standoff.
The stalemate ended only after District Magistrate Shailendra Kumar Singh and Senior Superintendent of Police Shailesh Kumar Pandey arrived on the scene at around 3:30 PM. Following their intervention, the police dispersed the crowd using a mild lathi charge. Subsequently, the carcasses were transported for post-mortem examination and later buried under the supervision of veterinary officer Dr. Rakesh Tiwari.
Demands and Allegations
Prominent activists Hemant Kumar Sharma and Puneet Chaturvedi demanded immediate FIRs and stringent action against those responsible for the mass death of the cattle. They also called for increased patrolling by the Forest Department, fencing of the forest area, and improved oversight of Gaushalas to prevent further incidents.
Protesters, led by Pawan Dubey, insisted on holding senior officials accountable and refused to back down until the DM and SSP personally addressed the issue. Their demands highlight a growing concern over the governance and regulation of cow shelters, which are meant to protect cattle but are increasingly coming under scrutiny for negligence and corruption.
Dr. Rakesh Tiwari confirmed that post-mortem examinations are being conducted to determine the cause of death. The ear tags are being traced to identify the source of the cattle, shedding light on how they ended up in the forest. Preliminary findings are expected to be submitted to higher authorities soon.
Meanwhile, police teams, led by CO Sadar Sandeep Kumar, are analyzing video footage to identify individuals involved in the road blockade. As of late Friday night, four suspects have been detained, and an FIR is expected to be filed soon.
A Wake-Up Call
This incident is not just a case of negligence but a grim reflection of systemic failures. It underscores the urgent need for better monitoring of Gaushalas and stricter enforcement of animal protection laws. The delay by authorities in addressing the issue, despite prior knowledge, raises questions about their commitment to justice and governance.
Moreover, the protest disrupted local life and inconvenienced hundreds of pilgrims traveling to Vrindavan, many of whom were forced to complete their journey on foot. Such incidents tarnish the sanctity of a region revered for its spiritual and cultural heritage.
As the investigation unfolds, the onus lies on the administration to ensure that justice is served, and such incidents do not recur. The voices of the Gorakshaks echo a larger call for accountability, transparency, and compassion in protecting India’s sacred cattle. The nation watches as the story unfolds, hoping for a resolution that restores faith in its commitment to animal welfare and governance.
